Smart brushes and accessories systems and methods

ABSTRACT

The present invention comprises systems and methods for using a specialized styling device, such as a smart hairbrush, smart comb, or accessories, which allow for the collection of data from the devices, and for users to interact over a wireless network. The devices may including a wireless radio frequency modem connected to the internet and a battery to power components, including lights, speakers, cameras, microphones, and sensors. A smart brush may allow for computations through processors, memory, system-on-a-chip, applications, batteries, operating systems, and wired or wireless communication interfaces. It is also possible for the smart brush to connect with other electronic devices, including phones, tablets, and cameras in order to share electrical power and communicate over one or more interfaces. A smart brush may operate as an independent mobile device or within a smart home or other system with multiple computing devices, appliances, and sensors connected together within a network.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/530,414 filed 10 Jul. 2017, the entire contents of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully setforth herein, under 35 U.S.C. 119(e).

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR ASA TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (EFS-WEB)

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in thissection are not prior art to the claims in this application and are notadmitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to brushes. More specifically,the present invention relates to improvements to brushes to communicatewith other things.

2. Description of Related Art

Recently, more and more devices are becoming “smart” by incorporatingelectronics. These smart electronics often include a wired or wirelesscommunication interface, such that the smart device is able to send andreceive data over a network including the internet. Some examplesinclude smart thermostats, which are able to be controlled by a remotedevice, i.e. a phone or computer connected to the internet. Otherexamples include smart door locks, which can be opened with a phone overa radio frequency (RF) connection, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Furtherexamples include a smart pedometer, which can send the data collectedabout a person's movement over a network to a server connected to theinternet. The aggregation of these devices is often called the internetof things (IOT), and within a home is often called a “smart home”.

Smart homes often incorporate a number of smart devices. These smartdevices are connected using a network that usually has one or morecoordinator devices. These coordinator devices can send and receive databetween various devices and may also have a user interface that allowsfor interaction with a human user. Recently these coordinator devicesoften comprise one or more speakers and microphones, in order to allowfor automatic speech recognition (ASR). Examples of ASR include Amazon'sEcho device and Google's Google Home device. It is possible for anyother device in the smart home to serve as a user interface for thesmart home system, including a smart TV, computer, tablet, phone, orother device. Human users are able to speak directly into theASR-enabled device, and have their instructions implemented by thevarious smart devices in the smart home.

One example of using an ASR device might be for a user to say that theywant to turn up or down the temperature on a smart thermostat. Thethermostat may be connected locally to an ASR device, which may be astandalone smart speaker, such as Amazon's Echo device, which isconnected to the internet. The verbal instruction from the user is firstinterpreted by the ASR device and then a data transmission instructionis sent to the thermostat over the network in order to change the targettemperature value within the smart thermostat. In a smart home manydifferent smart devices, which may control traditional appliances,including a central air furnace, can communicate with each other in anunlimited number of ways.

The smart home is being developed on multiple fronts, including in thedevelopment of more smart devices and in the smartness of the devicesand the network of the devices as a whole. One possible way that a smarthome can become “smarter” is by employing various machine-learningtechniques including deep learning, which is commonly referred to asArtificial Intelligence (AI). One of the goals of such systems is tounderstand the normal behavior of a human user of a smart home system.If the normal behaviors of the human user can be understood, then it ispossible to predict with some certainty the type of instructions thatshould be sent and the timing of these instructions to various devices.

Another example is when a smart home user regularly returns to her homeat the same time, such as 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, except for Thursdays,when she returns regularly at 8:30 p.m. In this scenario, a coordinatingdevice connected to the internet and an AI system can learn toautomatically keep the temperature set at either a minimum or a roomtemperature according to the understood schedule. This will allow for asignificant savings of energy and also create a seamless experience forthe smart home user. Whenever the user returns home according to herregular schedule, the home is brought up to room temperature before shearrives.

For example, the smart home system may be able to remind a smart homeuser before she goes out the door to bring her umbrella, pick up eggs atthe store for pancakes the next morning, and remind her about a doctor'sappointment. The device of this invention makes this possible bycoordinating and connected many devices to a system with a virtualassistant using AI.

While smart home systems are currently under rapid development, systemsare also very new and have limited capabilities. For instance, ASRdevices have limited functionality, and smart home users are ofteninformed that their instructions cannot be understood or implemented. AIsystems that support smart home systems also have many limitations andalso have access to a limited amount of data.

Thus, the need exists for a combination of smart devices, ASRinterfaces, and AI to allow for smart home users to be able to use manymore instructions. Also, the need exists for a smart home system that isbetter at interpreting data received from more and more smart devicesand is reliable, inexpensive, and accurate.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a principal object to solve at least one of the disadvantages ofother attempted solutions or to create other utility by providing asmart home system that provides many more instructions to a combinationof smart devices, ASR interfaces, and AI to allow for a smart homesystem that is better at interpreting data received from more and moresmart devices and is reliable, inexpensive, and accurate.

A specialized styling device, such as a smart hairbrush, smart comb, oraccessories, are a new class of smart devices, i.e. smart hairbrush,smart comb, and smart hair clip, allowing for a wide range of “smart”functions to be incorporated into the devices, including capturing dataabout the human users who use the devices. With the captured data from asmart brush it is possible to analyze the data and to respond whenfindings are made which require the attention of the user, or remoteusers of the system, including caregivers. A smart brush is capable ofreceiving instructions from the user using multiple user interfaces, aswell as capturing usage data which can be sent via a network to aserver, which can analyze the data, draw conclusions, and finally takeaction in response to that collected data. In some cases a smart brushin combination with a server and other networked devices can beprogrammed to understand the user's daily routine, including smart brushusage data.

One of the best ways to interpret all the data received from the manydevices in a smart home is to use machine learning. Machine learningenables computer software to “learn” a particular task with data,without requiring specific procedural rules to be programmed for eachtask. Machine learning is a technique used in the broader field ofartificial intelligence. The term “learn” can be understood as themachine learning model getting progressively better at performing aspecific task by means of training the model. The training of the modelis often done by minimizing a loss function on a training set of exampledata. Loss functions calculate a deviation between the predictions madeby the machine learning model and known actual data. When usingclassification, a machine learning technique, models are trained topredict output which is provided to the model in the form of labeleddata. One popular machine learning method is called deep learning. Deeplearning is a type of artificial neural network (ANN) comprisingmultiple hidden layers. Deep learning is inspired by theories about howhuman and animal brains might work. ANNs are modeled after featuresfound in biological models of human and animal brains. The parts of theANN include artificial neurons connected together into a network,including an input layer of artificial neurons, hidden layers ofartificial neurons, and an output layer of artificial neurons. A datasignal is received by the input layer of neurons and passed through thenetwork to the output layer of neurons. Along the way, the data signals,often numbers between 0 and 1, are modified by the individual artificialneurons. Individual neurons may transform the data signals using basicmathematical operations including multiplication and addition, usingconstants often called weights and biases, i.e. backpropagationalgorithm. Deep learning has been used successfully for computer visionand speech recognition, and has the potential to be used on an almostunlimited number of data analysis problems.

Using machine learning, a model can be generated and used with thesystem, which allows for real-time or batch data to be inputted into themachine learning model, resulting in predictions which can be acted uponby the system. The actions taken may include at least one indicatorlight that illuminates on a specialized styling device or smarthairbrush or smart brush, if the brush is being used less frequentlythan the user's daily routine model's frequency. Another action that cantake place is a message. For example, a text message or email may besent to a caregiver of a child or elderly person, in order to alert thecaregiver of a significant change in the user's daily routine. Also, itis possible to have functionality similar to that of the smart brushimplemented in other smart accessories including a smart comb, smarthair clip, smart toothbrush, and smart brush for pets and animals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several aspects described below.

FIG. 1 is several drawings of people using a smart brush which is ableto communicate using an RF connection, and play music in which at leastone of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the backside of a smart brush of thepresent invention with an integrated telescoping arm and digital cameradevice (i.e. phone with camera) holder with a digital device clip in theopen position and an integrated telescoping arm in which at least one ofthe embodiments is shown.

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the backside of a smart brush of thepresent invention with the digital device clip in the closed position inwhich at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of a smart brush of the present invention showing anextended telescoping arm and digital camera device (i.e. phone withcamera) holder, holding a smart phone, in which at least one of theembodiments is shown.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the front side of smart brush of thepresent invention in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 5A is a top view of the front side of a smart brush of the presentinvention with a catch unit, a catch release button, and a snappinghandle receptacle in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the backside of a smart brush of the presentinvention with a threaded handle connector and a threaded handlereceptacle in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 6A is a top view of the backside of a smart brush of the presentinvention with an optional solar panel and fingerprint scanner in whichat least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 6B is a top view of the backside of a smart brush of the presentinvention with an optional fiducial marker in which at least one of theembodiments is shown.

FIG. 7 is a cutaway section of the front side of a smart brush of thepresent invention and an alternative embodiment of a smart brush comb ofthe present invention along with a circuit board in which at least oneof the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 8A is a drawing of the top view of a smart brush handle of thepresent invention in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 8B is a drawing of an isometric view of a smart brush handle of thepresent invention in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 9 is a drawing of a smart brush of the present invention with avideo projector and panel light in which at least one of the embodimentsis shown.

FIG. 10A is a drawing of a smart comb with a handle of the presentinvention in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 10B is a drawing of a smart hair clip of the present invention inwhich at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 10C is a drawing of a smart long tooth comb of the presentinvention in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 10D is a drawing of a smart grooming brush of the present inventionin which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 10E is a drawing of a smart electric toothbrush of the presentinvention in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 11 is a drawing of the present invention showing a smart brushhandle in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 12 is a drawing of the front side of a smart brush of the presentinvention in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 13 is a drawing of a smart brush circuit of the present inventionin which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 14 is a drawing of a printed circuit board (PCB) of the presentinvention in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 15 is a drawing of a smart brush circuit of the present inventionin which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 16 is a drawing of the front side of a smart brush of the presentinvention in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 17A is a drawing of the front side of a smart brush handle of thepresent invention with various accessories in which at least one of theembodiments is shown.

FIG. 17B is a drawing of the back side of a phone case of the presentinvention with various accessories in which at least one of theembodiments is shown.

FIG. 18A is a drawing of a smart brush of the present invention in whichat least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 18B is a drawing of a brush with a disconnected head of the presentinvention in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 18C is a drawing of a round brush of the present invention in whichat least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 18D is a drawing of a handle of the present invention in which atleast one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of a connected network of digital devices forinformation transmittal from the present invention in which at least oneof the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 20 is a drawing of a smart brush and smart accessory network of thepresent invention in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 21A is a drawing of the front side of a pocket smart brush withretractable bristles in the retracted position of the present inventionin which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 21B is a drawing of the backside of a pocket smart brush with aslider button to retract the bristles of the present invention in whichat least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 21C is a drawing of the front side of a pocket smart brush withretractable bristles in the extended position of the present inventionin which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 22A is a drawing of the cross section of the pocket smart brush,showing the flexible bristle design of the present invention in a fullyretracted position in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 22B is a drawing of the cross section of the pocket smart brush,showing the flexible bristle design of the present invention in apartially retracted position in which at least one of the embodiments isshown.

FIG. 22C is a drawing of the cross section of the pocket smart brush,showing the flexible bristle design of the present invention in a fullyextended position in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 22D is a drawing of the cross section of the pocket smart brush,showing the hinged bristle design of the present invention in a fullyretracted position in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 22E is a drawing of the cross section of the pocket smart brush,showing the hinged bristle design of the present invention in apartially retracted position in which at least one of the embodiments isshown.

FIG. 22F is a drawing of the cross section of the pocket smart brush,showing the hinged bristle design of the present invention in a fullyextended position in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 23A is a drawing of a smart travel pop-up design of the smart brushin the closed position of the present invention in which at least one ofthe embodiments is shown.

FIG. 23B is a drawing of a smart travel pop-up design of the smart brushin the open position with the bristles not popped-up of the presentinvention in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 23C is a drawing of a smart travel pop-up design of the smart brushin the open position with the bristles popped-up of the presentinvention in which at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 24A is a drawing of the smart brush of the present invention with apersonal wind-up electric generator in which at least one of theembodiments is shown.

FIG. 24B is a drawing of the smart brush of the present invention with apersonal push crank electric generator in which at least one of theembodiments is shown.

FIG. 25 is a drawing of the present invention with a fiducial marker inwhich at least one of the embodiments is shown.

FIG. 26 is a drawing of the present invention with a smart brushconnected to a digital device using an electric cable connector in whichat least one of the embodiments is shown as well as a smart brush beingcharged using a wireless charging base station device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to anyparticular embodiment described, which may vary. Also, it is to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to belimiting, since the scope of this invention will be limited only by theappended claims.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to explain and provide a thorough understanding of thepresent invention. However, it is apparent that the present inventionmay be practiced without all of these specific details. Thus, allillustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing versionsof the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention.

In the following section, the present invention is described fully byreferencing the details in the enclosed drawings, which illustratecertain embodiments of the invention. The numbers shown in thisspecification refer to the corresponding numbers in the encloseddrawings. The terminology used is to describe the particular embodimentshown and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Theinvention may also be embodied in many other forms in addition to theembodiments shown. Thus, the embodiments shown should not be construedas limiting, but rather, to allow a thorough and complete description ofthe disclosure that conveys the scope of the invention to a personhaving ordinary skill in the art in the field of this invention.Therefore, for the terms used herein, the singular forms “the,” “a,” and“an” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singularforms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “and”includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associatedlisted items. As used herein, the terms “comprising” and “comprises”when used in this specification, identify specific steps, integers,operations, features, components, and elements, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other steps, operations, features,components, and elements. In addition, the features, components, andelements referenced may be exaggerated for clarity.

Unless otherwise defined, all scientific terms, technical terms, orother terms used herein have the same meaning as the term that isunderstood by one having ordinary skill in the art in the field of thisinvention. It is also understood that these terms, including theirdictionary meaning, should be understood as having the meaning that isconsistent with their definitions in the related relevant art. Inaddition, the present disclosure is not to be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense unless expressly stated so herein.Constructions or functions that are well known in the art may not befully described in detail for brevity.

In describing the invention, it is understood that a number of steps andmethods may be disclosed. Each of these may have individual benefit.Also, each may be used in conjunction with at least one or more of thedisclosed steps and methods. Therefore, this description will refrainfrom stating each and every possible combination of the individual stepsand methods for the sake of brevity. Regardless, the specification andrelated claims should be understood with the combinations that areentirely within the scope of the claims and inventions.

The disclosure in this invention are examples of how it may beimplemented and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings or thedescription provided herein. The present invention will now be describedby example in the following paragraphs by referencing the accompanyingdrawings, which represent embodiments and alternative embodiments.

The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein.It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments aremerely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpretedas limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis forteaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.

The smart brushes and smart accessories systems and methods presentedmay make brushing hair more enjoyable for children as well as enablingthe monitoring of the personal care routines of older people by doctors,family members, or caregivers. Traditionally, brushes and combs have notbeen computing devices; however, recently the cost, size, and powerrequirements of computing device components, including processors,memory, and modems have come down, making it feasible to make sucheveryday items “smart.” Within this disclosure is presented varioussmart devices, a system for operating the devices, as well as methodsfor their use. A smart brush can be used in multiple ways, andembodiments can include multiple shapes and sizes, and comprise manydifferent combinations of electronic components.

Hair brushes are often used by both human users and caregivers in orderto untangle hair, to align the direction of hairs, to shape hair, toremove foreign objects, i.e. lint, and to generally make the appearanceof hair more visually appealing.

FIG. 1 shows several drawings of people using a smart brush which isable to communicate using an RF connection, and play music. Detail 181shows a smart brush transmitting an RF signal in order to connect to anetwork being used by a woman. Detail 180 shows a smart brushtransmitting an RF signal in order to connect to a network being used bya caregiver on a child with music being played by the smart brush.Detail 182 shows a smart brush transmitting an RF signal in order toconnect to a network being used by an older woman.

For children 180 with longer hair, it is possible for the hairs tobecome tangled, or even knotted, which makes untangling the hair with acomb or brush difficult and can often result in pulling of the hair,which can be uncomfortable for the child. It has been shown that paincan be reduced with music or other types of visual or audiodistractions. An embodiment of the smart brush includes a computingdevice, including the necessary components described in this disclosurein order to play music. A caregiver of a child who is getting her hairbrushed 180 would be able to use voice commands to request music to beplayed by the smart brush. The child could also speak commands to thesmart brush, and have a sound recording played.

FIG. 2A shows an isometric view of the backside of a smart brush of thepresent invention with an integrated telescoping arm 124 and digitalcamera device (i.e. phone with camera) holder. FIG. 2A also shows adigital device clip 120, spring or band 121, hinge 122, pocketcompartment 123, telescoping arm 124, input buttons 125, a data/powerconnector (i.e. USB) 126, a digital device clip 127 in the openposition, a catch release button 128, a data/power connector (i.e. USB)129, brush bristles 132, a brush handle 180, and brush head 181. FIG. 2Bshows a digital device clip 127 in the closed position.

It should be understood that the person using the smart brush aspreviously described may be a person of any age. It is also possible fora human user to use the smart brush on a pet, animal, and child. Itshould also be understood that a caregiver or remote user can be any ofa doctor, nurse, health care professional, family member, or any humanuser.

Recently it has become popular to use a smartphone or other portabledigital device with a camera to take self-portraits, often calledselfies. In order to take pictures from a more natural perspective adevice often called a selfie stick is used, which is a rig which holdsthe smartphone or digital device at a distance from the user and alsomay include a remote. One problem that users face is that selfie stickstake up extra room in a purse or bag, and have limited functionality.FIG. 2A shows a smart brush that we will call a smart selfie brush, witha telescoping handle 124, and digital device clip 127, which makes itpossible for the user to reduce the extra weight and bulk of carrying aseparate selfie stick, allowing the user to take selfies at a preferredviewing angle using the brush. In one embodiment a young woman may carrya smart selfie brush in her purse. Because the brush is a standard itemthe woman might carry normally, the frequency of taking selfies usingthe brush is increased over using a traditional selfie stick. The deviceclip 127 may comprise a spring or elastic band 121, hinge which may bespring loaded 122, and grip bar 120. The device clip may also functionas a top to a compartment 123. That compartment may be able to holdpersonal items 176 including earbud headphones, makeup, or medications.The compartment 123 may be opened using a snap with a release button128. The smart selfie brush also may comprise a remote, which caninstruct the connected digital device to take a picture.

FIG. 3 shows a drawing of a smart brush of the present invention showingan extended telescoping arm 124 and digital camera device (i.e. phonewith camera) holder. FIG. 3 also shows a telescoping pole 124, inputbuttons 125, a battery 157, an accessory compartment 176, a power button(i.e. on/off) 177, a digital device (i.e. phone) 178, a communicationscable (i.e. headphone cable) 179, and a brush handle 180.

As shown in FIG. 3, a remote can be connected in several ways to thedigital device, including using an RF signal, i.e. Bluetooth, using aphysical electrical cable, i.e. headphone cable 179 or traditional cablerelease mechanism.

FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of the front side of smart brush of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 4, in at least one embodiment, asmart brush comprises an ordinary looking hair brush, with a handle 130,a brush head 131, and bristles 132.

FIG. 5B shows a top view of the backside of a smart brush and the frontside of a smart brush of the present invention. FIG. 5B also shows athreaded handle connector 133, a threaded handle receptacle 134, whileFIG. 5A shows a catch unit 135, a catch release button 136, a snappinghandle receptacle 137. Also, FIG. 5B shows a camera 138, and a display139.

As shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, in one embodiment, a smart brush has adetachable handle. The handle is connected to the head using anattachment mechanism which may include pipe threads 133 as shown in FIG.5B or a snapping mechanism 135 as shown in FIG. 5A. The snappingmechanism may have a male connector and a female connector, where themale connector is inserted into the female connector in order to attachthe handle to the head of the smart brush. It is possible to have acatch mechanism 135, and a catch release button 136 to make it possibleto quickly connect and disconnect the handle from the head.

FIG. 6A shows a top view of the backside of two smart brushes of thepresent invention. FIG. 6A also shows input buttons 125, a camera 138, afinger scanner 140, and a communications interface port 141, a powercharging port 142, and a solar panel 143, while FIG. 6B shows a fiducialmarker 144.

FIG. 7 shows a cutaway section of the front side of a smart brush of thepresent invention and an alternative embodiment of a smart brush combthe present invention along with a circuit board. FIG. 7 also shows asmart brush 701, bristles 132, a circuit board 145, at least oneprocessor 146, a modem 147, a first memory location 148, a SIM card slot149, an audio/video module 150, a motion module/accelerometer 700, a GPSmodule 151, a camera module 152, a power module 153, a haptic vibrationmodule 707, a physical input button 154, a speaker 155, a microphone156, a battery 157, an antenna 158, a motion sensor 221, a handleassembly 703, a smart comb 704, an electric cable connector, i.e. USB708, and a power adapter charger 709.

As shown in FIG. 7, in at least one other embodiment shows a smart brushor a comb with teeth 704 and one or more of the following electroniccomponents, a circuit board 145, at least one processor 146, a modem147, a first memory location 148, SIM card 149, an audio/video module150, a camera module 152, a GPS module 151, a power module 153, a motionmodule which may include an accelerometer 700, haptic vibration module707, a battery 157, an antenna 158, a microphone 156, a speaker 155, andone or more interface buttons 154. The smart brush may also have itsbattery recharged using a power adapter charger 709. It is also possibleto charge the smart brush using wireless charging, also called wirelesspower transfer, in which case the smart brush's power module 153,comprises a wireless charging power receiver comprising a receivingcoil.

As shown in FIG. 7, because a smart brush is also a fully functionalcomputing device which may in include a microphone 156 and speaker 155,it is possible to implement all of the functionality of modern virtualassistants, i.e. Apple's Siri, or Amazon's Alexa, including the abilityto query the internet, schedule appointments on a virtual calendar, orany other routine command executable by a virtual assistant. A smartbrush that plays the preferred music of the child or plays the audioversion of a favorite storybook can greatly reduce the anxiety and eventhe pain associated with brushing hair.

Also, as shown in FIG. 7, many older people seek to live alone on theirown for as long as possible; however, many people also live on their ownmuch longer than they should. Some of the consequences of older peopleliving on their own past when they are physically able include fallingand not having someone to help them, making bad financial decisions,getting into accidents, poor nutrition, poor hygiene, and mental healthissues like depression. Also, many older people who live alone past whenit is safe do not themselves know when the time is to ask for more helpuntil a serious incident occurs. There are many ways to combat thisproblem, but none have come up with the solution that we present in thisdisclosure.

FIG. 7 shows drawing of a computing device including at least oneprocessor 145, a first memory location 148, modem 147, battery 157 andmotion module i.e. accelerometer 700. As shown in FIG. 7, the smartbrush may also be a fully functional computing device comprising atleast one processor 146, memory 148, modem 147, battery 157 and mayinclude physical input buttons 125, i/o ports, i.e. USB port or HDMI126, charging port 141, as well as anything which has been shown to beincluded in a smart brush in this disclosure. The smart brush may alsohave an RF interface i.e. Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth which can connect to otherwireless devices, i.e. a smartphone attached to the selfie stick usingthe clip 127, as shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 7, it is also possible to press on a physical button onthe device 154 in order to send an emergency message i.e. call 911, to adispatcher including GPS data, personal profile data, and any other datathat might be necessary. It is also possible for a text message to besent to any number of digital devices or update a social media personalprofile, i.e. Facebook, or Twitter. In this way a smart brush might beable to help a user who has lost or cannot use their primary digitaldevice when they are in distress, or otherwise need a backup digitaldevice. Because the smart brush, in the case where it comprisesbristles, functions as a hairbrush, it increases the frequency that auser will carry it with them on a regular basis, and reduces the numberof items carried in a bag or purse. In the case where a user's primarydigital device, i.e. a smartphone, is out of battery, it is possible tocharge it up, by connecting it to the data/power connector 142 on thesmart brush, as shown in FIG. 26. It is also possible to use a poweradapter charger 709 to recharge i.e. wall charger with USB, the batteryof the smart brush. The power adapter charger can connect to the smartbrush using a cable, and can connect to the power charging port 142, asshown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 8A shows drawing of a smart brush handle of the present invention.FIG. 8A also shows a panel light 162, an input button 160, a brightlight 161, and a brush handle 163, while FIG. 8B shows a threadedconnector 133.

FIG. 9 shows drawing of a smart brush of the present invention with avideo projector and panel light. FIG. 9 also shows a projector 170, abright panel light 171, a touchpad 172, a brush handle 175, and aprojected image 173. As shown in FIG. 9, the smart brush or smartaccessory may comprise at least one light 171, including but not limitedto LED lights, and as shown in FIG. 7, a speaker 155, a haptic vibrationmodule 707, and a display 139, as shown in FIG. 5B, including but notlimited to LED, LCD, OLED, or e paper/e ink, which can be used tocommunicate the received message.

FIG. 10A through FIG. 10E show drawings of various accessories of thepresent invention. FIG. 10B shows a smart hair clip 185, while FIG. 10Ashows a smart comb with handle 183, while FIG. 10E shows a smartelectric toothbrush 184, while FIG. 10C shows a smart long tooth comb187, while FIG. 10D shows a smart grooming brush 186.

FIG. 11 shows drawing of the present invention showing a smart brushhandle. FIG. 11 also shows a handle assembly 100, an input button i.e.on/off 101, a data/power connector i.e. USB of type A/B/C/D 102, adata/power connector i.e. USB of type A/B/C/D 103, and an external pipethread 104.

FIG. 12 shows drawing of the front side of a smart brush of the presentinvention. FIG. 12 also shows a data/power connector i.e. USB of typeA/B/C/D 550, a data/power connector i.e. USB of type A/B/C/D 600, acushion brush 105, a mini camera 106, a handle assembly 107, amicrophone 108, and a battery i.e. Li-ion/Li-polymer 109. The deviceshown in FIG. 12 has the following specifications: Pixel: 5.0 megapixelCMOS, Resolution: 1080P/720P/480P, Video format: AVI, Frames: 25 fps,View angle: 90 degree, Distance of motion detection shooting: 6 mstraight-line distance, Minimum illumination: 1LUX, Battery capacity:2700 mAh, Continuous shooting time: 4 hours, camera module, Compressedformat: H.264, Sound recording range: 5 m, Power consumption: 260mA/3.7V, Storage temperature: −20° C. to 80° C., Operating temperature:−10° C.−60° C., Operating humidity: 15-85% RH, Type of memory card: TFcard up to 32 GB, Play software: VLC Player/SM Player, Computeroperation system: Windows/Mac OS, Mobile phone operation system:Android/iOS, Web browser: IE7 and above, chrome, Firefox, Safari.

FIG. 13 shows drawing of a smart brush circuit of the present invention,including a handle assembly 200, a DC to DC converter or controlledcurrent flow 201, a circuit board 202, a micro USB i.e. type A/B/C/D203, a battery i.e. Li-ion/Li-polymer 204, a USB port i.e. type A/B/C/D300, an input button i.e. on/off 301, and circuit board that maycomprise filters, resistors, transistors, sensors, two USB ports, power,data input/output, DC to DC module, and a battery 202.

FIG. 14 shows drawing of a printed circuit board (PCB) of the presentinvention. FIG. 14 also shows a micro USB port A/B/C/D 205, a USB porttype A/B/C/D 206, and a circuit board that may comprise filters,resistors, transistors, sensors, RS, COUT, Rilim, Rset, Chat, Cin, Rthn,Riterm, Rtmr, U1, Rchg Rpgood, USB port i.e. power input/output, DC toDC module, and a battery 207.

FIG. 15 shows drawing of a smart brush circuit of the present invention.FIG. 15 also shows a circuit board that may comprise filters, resistors,transistors, sensors, RS, COUT, Rilim, Rset, Cbat, Cin, Rthn, Riterm,Rtmr, U1, Rchg Rpgood, USB port i.e. power input/output, DC to DCmodule, and a battery 400. The device shown in FIG. 15 has the followingspecifications: Fully Compliant USB Charger, Selectable 100-mA and500-mA Maximum, Input Current, 100-mA Maximum Current Limit Ensures,Compliance to USB-IF Standard, Input-based Dynamic Power Management,(VIN-DPM) for Protection Against Poor USB Sources, 28-V Input RatingWith Overvoltage Protection, Integrated Dynamic Power-Path Management,(DPPM) Function Simultaneously and Independently Powers the System andCharges the Battery, Supports up to 500-mA Charge Current With CurrentMonitoring Output (ISET), Programmable Input Current Limit up to 500 mA,Programmable Termination Current, Programmable Precharge and Fast-ChargeSafety Timers, Reverse Current, Short-Circuit, and Thermal Protection,NTC Thermistor Input, Proprietary Start-Up Sequence Limits InrushCurrent, Status Indication—Charging/Done, Power/Good, Small 3 mm×3 mm16-Lead QFN Package, APPLICATIONS, Bluetooth™ Devices, Low-PowerHandheld Devices, and Cell Phone, Other.

FIG. 16 shows drawing of the front side of a smart brush of the presentinvention. FIG. 16 also shows a handle assembly 208, an input buttoni.e. emergency call button to call emergency services 209, and amicrophone i.e. for two way calling 210. The device shown in FIG. 16 hasthe following specifications: With the smart brush mini GPS Tracker &SOS Alarms, you have access to help when you need it most. The smartbrush includes a roaming SIM, making sure you have round-the-clock help.The smart brush GPS Tracker is a personal safety device with a largebutton on the front that keeps you connected with loved ones oremergency services. It is possible to use the handle detached from thebrush head, which can be attached with a lanyard to wear around the neckor wrist for quick use. TWO-WAY VOICE: As well as being a GPS locator, asmart brush unit is also a fully functioning mobile phone unit. You candesignate numbers that the brush tracker can contact and it is alsopossible to view the smart brush's location remotely. GPS LOCATION—LIVESERVICES: If you want to know where the tracker is, just view it on theWeb or a mobile client app (i.e. Android or iOS). It is also possible tosend a text message location request, and the brush sends its locationback to your smartphone via text.

FIG. 17A shows drawing of the front side of a smart brush handle andFIG. 17B is a phone case of the present invention with variousaccessories. FIG. 17A also shows a handle 212, magnets with DC currentflow 213 and 214, while FIG. 17B shows magnets 215 and 216, and a cellphone cover 217.

FIG. 18A through FIG. 18D show drawings of a smart brush with variousbrush head attachments of the present invention. FIG. 18C also shows around brush i.e. with greater airflow reducing drying time 500, a mediumround brush i.e. with heat resistant bristles with soft-tips 501, alittle round brush 502, a rectangular brush 503, while FIG. 18D shows ahandle 504. As shown in FIG. 18C, one of the advantages of this designis it is possible to have multiple types of brush heads, includingdifferent sized round 500, 501, 502 and rectangular types 503. FIG. 18Ashows a brush with a handle 218, while FIG. 18B shows a brush with adisconnected head 219 from the handle with power button 220.

FIG. 19 shows a diagram of a connected network of digital devices forinformation transmittal. FIG. 19 also shows a smart brush connected toany wireless data network i.e. LTE (Long-Term Evolution), 5G generationmobile networks, 4G, global System for Mobile Communication (GSM),General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced data GSM Environmentstandards (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS),Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), CDMA2000 networks, 802.11,Mobitex™, personal Communication Systems (PCS), time Division MultipleAccess (TDMA), all wireless communication standard WI-FI, Bluetooth, andNFC wireless frequency 600, a Local network i.e. smart home network 601,a controller devices, cloud computing platform, cloud database, web APPand middleware 602, a wide area wireless network 603, a cloud computingsystem 604, and users' computing devices 605.

As shown in FIG. 19, some configurations allow the smart brush toconnect to a network 601, including a local network and the internet,and have the ability to send and receive data, either input, i.e. buttonpresses, or other inputs or user commands, or passive data, includingusage data of the smart brush by the user. Within this disclosure itshould be understood that a smart brush may be any number of differenttypes of grooming accessories which include electronic components andhave bristles or teeth, i.e. a hair brush, including soft or hardbristles, a comb, and brushes and combs used for grooming of animals aswell as humans. Finally, some additional accessories which also includebristles or teeth will be described that also may have some similarfunctionality to the smart brushes described in this disclosure and alsoinclude electronic components but are not brushes for hair, i.e.toothbrushes and hair clips. However, it should be understood that theterm “smart brush” can be used for all of these devices described orshown in figures.

Also, as shown in FIG. 19, the smart brush may be implemented in thecontext of a smart home or other network connected environment includinga local wireless network or wide area wireless network, includingwireless broadband network 603, and may be connected to other devices inthe network in order to form a connected system in which the smart brushcan be used.

As shown in FIG. 19, it is also possible to have the smart brush connectto a local 601 or wide area 603 wireless network in order to downloadmusic from a server or cloud network 602, 604. In this case it would bepossible for the smart brush to be programmed in order to be able tohave one or more user accounts, in such a way that a user could quicklyaccess her music streaming service, with the smart brush allowing theuser to login to that music streaming service using the smart brush asthe computing device interface for the service, i.e. Spotify, or AmazonPrime Music. It is also possible for the smart brush to be implementedas a smart home device such that it can receive voice commands via abuilt-in microphone 156, transmit the commands to a server or cloudnetwork 602, 604, have the commands interpreted and executed by anintelligent agent, in such a way that the brush can act as a fullyfunctional virtual assistant, similar to Amazon Echo, or Google home.

When the older person, shown in FIG. 1, uses the smart brush, usage datais automatically collected 603, as shown in FIG. 19. As shown in FIG. 7,one version of the smart brush comprises a smart hair brush with amotion sensor 221, which is activated by movement of the bristles of thebrush, such that a detection by the sensor is sent to the motion module700, and the detection data is at least one of saved in a first memorylocation 148 or transmitted to a remote server or cloud network 602, 604as shown in FIG. 19.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 19, another version of the smart brushcomprises an accelerometer 700, which when activated by movement of thebody of the smart brush, a detection is automatically generated, whichis at least one of stored in a first memory location 148 or directlysent to a local network 601, wide area network, or to a cloud network602, 604. Other metadata including time of use, duration of use, anddirectional information can be recorded from the smart brush. The datamay be stored using middleware running on a server 602, 604, which mayinclude a graphical user interface, backend database, a network switch,and server hardware. The middleware software comprises a personalprofile, which may include basic information about the user, includingtheir name, their age, contact information as well as a machine learningmodel 609 which has been trained to understand the user's daily routine.

FIG. 20 shows drawing of a smart brush and smart accessory network ofthe present invention. FIG. 20 also shows a user 606, database webapplication 607, analyzing database application 608, machine learningmodels 609, smart devices 610, predictions and alerts 611, remote users612. As shown in FIG. 20, using the system and methods of this inventionit is possible to capture and analyze detailed data on an older person'sdaily routine 607.

The machine learning model is created using at least one of supervisedlearning, unsupervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The model istrained using personal profile data which may include usage data of asmart brush. In the case of supervised learning, label data may comprisekey health indicators including mental health and physical health. Thelabels may also include serious incidents like a fall or otheraccidents, or any other indicator events, i.e. missed appointments or areduction of physical movement. Personal profile data may be collectedfrom any number of smart accessories and smart appliances, including butnot limited to a network connected stove, refrigerator, door locks,vacuum cleaner, lawn mower, television, camera, smart shoes, smartwatch, and smartphone. The goal of training the machine learning modelis to generate a usable machine learning model which can predict atleast one of the mental or physical health of the user. Usingclassification, a machine learning method, it may also be able topredict a simple binary, at least one of whether or not the user shouldbe living on their own or not or whether an intervention is necessary ornot. Using regression, a machine learning method, the machine learningmodel may be able to indicate the likelihood of a negative life eventoccurring including but not limited to a physical fall, a decline inbrain functionality, or the onset of depression. It is also possible touse other types of output which may aid in understanding the health andwell-being of the user. Some of the types of machine learning that maybe used include, decision tree learning, association rule learning,artificial neural networks, deep learning, inductive logic programming,support vector machines, clustering, Bayesian networks, reinforcementlearning, representation learning, similarity and metric learning,sparse dictionary learning, genetic algorithms, rule-based machinelearning, learning classifier systems. Other types of machine learningmay also be used.

As shown in FIG. 20, the middleware software 608 may also comprise atleast one of an analysis software module and a messaging softwaremodule, and an intelligent agent capable of Automatic SpeechRecognition. The analysis software module can be configured to allow forat least one of caregivers and users to review the personal profile dataof the older person, as well as generate reports. The messaging softwaremodule allows for at least one of users and caregivers to set up alertmessages which will be sent via at least one of email, text message, andmessage sent to a smart home device, when certain data triggers havebeen triggered. The message may contain a recommendation for action,including at least one of reviewing the personal profile information,contacting the older person, contacting a caregiver, and a reminder tothe older person to use their smart brush. A message sent from themessaging software module can be sent directly to the smart brush.

As shown in FIG. 20, the analysis software module 608, may be configuredto receive predictions 611 from the machine learning model, and may beconfigured to respond to the predictions sent from the machine learningmodel by at least one of updating a report, triggering a softwaretrigger, sending a message to at least one of a remote user 612,caregiver, or the older person.

Also, as shown in FIG. 20, in one embodiment, an older user uses a smartbrush as part of their daily routine. Usage data is sent from the smartbrush to middleware 607, 608 which may be a web app, or other type ofapplication running on a server or cloud network comprising a personalprofile. The usage data is sent to an analysis software module 608 whichincludes a machine learning model 609 which receives the usage data.Predictions are then sent back from the machine learning model 611,which are interpreted by the middleware 607, 608. If necessary alerts orother messages are sent from the middleware to a remote user 612, or theolder user 606. It is also possible to send messages to other networkconnected devices 610, i.e. a smart speaker including a virtualassistant.

As shown in FIG. 19, it is also possible for the smart brush to connectdirectly to a local wireless network 601, or a wide area wirelessnetwork 603, including but not limited to a cellular phone network, orbroadband internet network. In one embodiment, using input buttons onthe smart brush, a user can take a selfie using a connected digitaldevice with a camera, i.e. a smart phone, and have the image sent to aremote web app, i.e. Instagram or Facebook, using only one press of abutton. The input buttons on the smart brush can be configured usingsoftware to trigger the digital device connected using the digitaldevice clip, as well as instruct the digital device to upload any of aphoto, video, live video, and video on demand to a desired location on anetwork. It is also possible to use a smart brush comprising anintegrated digital camera, to take pictures or video, including selfies,and have them uploaded directly to a server on a network, i.e. web app.

It is known that the deterioration of daily hygiene and personal care isa key indicator of other more serious problems that an older personmight face. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, acomputer-implemented method is used for predicting a negative lifeevent, including the onset of a disease, such as the onset of dementia,a change in the user's mobility or ability, the onset of depression, oranother medical event by using hair grooming data. Thiscomputer-implemented method generates with at least one processor, aninitial usage data model from a specialized styling device based oninputted information. The initial usage data model comprises a machinelearning model. The inputted information is based on recommendations bya caregiver and users' daily routines. The initial usage data model isthen stored on a cloud based computer.

Next, at least one processor generates a user's actual usage data of aspecialized styling device, by measuring a user's pattern of use of thespecialized styling device. The specialized styling device is selectedfrom a group consisting of a brush, comb, hair clip, toothbrush, and abrush for pets and animals.

Next, the user's actual usage data is stored in a first memory location.The user's actual usage data is then received and stored in a remotesecond memory location in a cloud based computer.

Next, a prediction is generated based on analyzing, with at least oneprocessor, the user's actual usage data using the initial usage datamodel stored on the cloud based computer. After that, an alert commandmay be transmitted to the specialized styling device that will activatea notification indicator on the specialized styling device if theprediction indicates that the chances of a negative life event may belikely. The notification indicator may comprise an indicator light,digital display, speaker, or haptic vibration module. Also, a signal maybe transmitted to a caregiver if the prediction indicates that thechances of a negative life event may be likely.

The specialized styling device, comprises an enclosure body with aplurality of bristles used for manipulating a user's hair and at leastone or more of the following: a circuit board, processor, modem, memory,SIM, SIM card slot, audio/video module, motion module/accelerometer,speaker, microphone, antenna, power module, data/power connector usedfor charging either a digital device or another device, and transmittingdata, a notification indicator, and a battery used for storing anelectrical charge. The notification indicator may comprise an indicatorlight, digital display, speaker, or haptic vibration module. Thespecialized styling device may be a brush, comb, or hairclip. Thespecialized styling device may also include a detachable handle, afinger scanner, a solar panel, a power module for wireless charging,necessary components in order to play music, a digital camera, apersonal electric generator used for charging up the specialized stylingdevice, a communications jack for a headphone cable, a physical inputbutton, and a panel light.

FIG. 21A shows drawing of the front side of a pocket smart brush withretractable bristles in the closed position, while FIG. 21C shows theretractable bristles in the open position of the present invention. FIG.21A also shows a pocket smart brush with retracted bristles 1206, whileFIG. 21C shows a pocket smart brush with bristles popped up 1207, and adata/power connector i.e. USB 1224.

FIG. 21B shows drawing of the backside of a pocket smart brush with aslider button to retract the bristles of the present invention. FIG. 21Balso shows a pocket smart brush 1201, retractable bristles 1202, amechanical slider button 1203, a brush back wall slot 1204, and a handle1205.

FIG. 22A shows drawing of the cross section of the pocket smart brush,showing the flexible bristle design of the present invention. FIG. 22Aalso shows a brush face wall 1208, a bristle guide 1209, a button sliderplate 1210, and a brush back wall 1211, a mechanical slider button 1212,a bristle root 1213, while FIG. 22B shows a midway position, and FIG.22C shows a bristle 1214, and a slider button in “up” position 1215.

FIG. 22D shows drawing of the cross section of the pocket smart brush,showing the hinged bristle design of the present invention. FIG. 22Dalso shows a brush face wall 1216, a bristle 1217, a bristle root 1218,a female joint connector 1219, a male joint connector 1220, a buttonslider plate 1221, while FIG. 22E shows a midway position, and FIG. 22Fshows a mechanical slider button in “up” position 1222, and a bristle1223.

As shown in FIG. 21C, in one embodiment, a brush has retractablebristles. The bristles are popped up using a mechanical slider button1203. When the mechanical slider is pushed into the “up” position, thebristles are popped up. When the mechanical slider button is in the“down” position, the bristles are retracted. This type of brush isreferred to herein as a pocket brush, because when the bristles areretracted it is convenient to carry it in a pocket. As shown in FIG.22D, a pocket brush comprises a hollow body including a front brush facewall 1208 and a back brush face wall 1211. The front brush face wallcomprises holes for the bristles. The back face comprises a slot opening1204 for the slider button to slide up and down. In one embodiment themechanism which deploys and retracts the bristles comprises a buttonplate 1210 which is coupled with flexible bristles 1214. When the sliderbutton plate is pushed into the “up” position, each of the flexiblebristles is pushed up into a hole in the brush face wall along a pathdetermined by a guide 1209, i.e. a guide tube.

As shown in FIG. 22D, alternatively it is possible to use another typeof mechanism, using hinged bristles, to deploy the bristles in a pocketbrush. A pocket brush with hinged bristles comprises a bush face wall1216 with holes for the bristles, bristles 1217 hingedly connected to abutton slider plate, a button slider plate 1221 which can move up anddown, and a brush back wall with a slot opening for the slider button1218. It is also possible to make the pocket brush smart similarly ashas been described in the disclosure. In this disclosure, this pocketbrush, which is smart, is referred to as a smart pocket brush. In oneembodiment a smart pocket brush comprises a data/power connector i.e.USB and a battery. A smart pocket brush is also a smart brush which canoperate similarly as any of the smart brushes described in thisapplication and may comprise any number of features, components, ormodules described herein.

FIG. 23A shows drawing of a smart travel pop-up design of the smartbrush in the closed position of the present invention. FIG. 23A alsoshows a speaker 1332 and a data/power connector, i.e. USB 1225.

FIG. 23C shows drawing of a smart travel pop-up design of the smartbrush in the open position with the bristles not popped-up of thepresent invention. FIG. 23B also shows a data/power connector, i.e. USB1225, a popup flexible brush face i.e. rubber 1226, a popup brush facehousing 1227, bristles 1228, a hinge 1229, a mirror or digital display1230, and a brush face cover 1231.

As shown in FIG. 23B, in another embodiment a brush is able to be foldedup easily for traveling comprising a pop-up flexible brush face 1226i.e. rubber, bristles 1228, a hinge 1229 and may comprise a mirror ordigital display 1230. This type of brush is often called a travel pop-upbrush. We present a smart travel pop-up brush comprising a data/powerconnector 1225, i.e. USB or HDMI and a battery and may also comprise anyof the components, features, and functionality of any smart brushpresented in this disclosure. In one embodiment, the smart travel pop-upbrush comprises a RF modem capable of communicating using Bluetooth orWi-Fi, at least one processor, and a speaker 1332, allowing for users toplay music. It is also possible to stream music from a digital device,i.e. smart phone to the smart travel pop-up brush.

FIG. 23C shows drawing of a smart travel pop-up design of the smartbrush in the open position with the bristles popped-up of the presentinvention. FIG. 23C also shows a data/power connector, i.e. USB 1225, apopup flexible brush face i.e. rubber 1226, a popup brush face housing1227, bristles 1228, a mirror or digital display 1230, and a brush facecover 1231.

FIG. 24A shows drawing of the smart brush of the present invention witha personal wind-up electric generator. FIG. 24A also shows a shaft 710,a crank handle 711, a hand crank 712, and a personal electric generator713.

In an embodiment, a smart brush comprises a data/power connector, i.e.USB or HDMI 142, as shown in FIG. 6A, and a battery 157, as shown inFIG. 3, and may also comprise a personal electric generator 713, i.e.hand crank operated electric generator 712, as shown in FIG. 24A, and asshown in FIG. 7, at least one processor 146, modem 147, a first memorylocation 148, audio/visual module 150, SIM card 149, GPS module 151,motion module 700, camera module 152, power module 153, microphone 156,speaker 155, antenna 158, and as shown in FIG. 2A a physical inputbuttons 125, a biometric scanner 140, i.e. finger scanner, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, a solar panel 143, display 139, fiducial marker 144; alight, i.e. LED light 171, touchpad 172, as shown in FIG. 9; hapticvibration module 707 as shown in FIG. 7, and projector, i.e. a digitaldisplay projector capable of projecting a moving image on a wall. Oftena user may find that it frequently happens that her primary digitaldevice, i.e. a smartphone, is not ready and available for use. There aremany reasons why this might take place. Her smartphone might becomelost, or the battery may have become depleted, or her smartphone mightbe stolen, or it might have become damaged. In this case, it is possibleto use the smart brush as a backup device in order to sendcommunications over a wireless network, i.e. a phone call, text message,photo, video, email, voice command, or other data transmission. It isalso possible to transmit wireless video to other devices including atelevision, computer, set top box, dongle stick, laptop, tablet, orsmartphone.

FIG. 24B shows a drawing of the smart brush of the present inventionwith a personal push crank electric generator. FIG. 24B also shows ashaft 710, crank handle 711, hand crank 712, and a personal electricgenerator 713.

FIG. 25 shows drawing of the present invention with a fiducial marker.FIG. 25 also shows a smart brush with fiducial marker 1240, a digitaldevice with display, i.e. smartphone 1241, a 3D model 1242, a digitaldisplay 1243, a fiducial marker 1244, a touchpad 1245, and a data/powerconnector i.e. USB 1246.

As shown in FIG. 25, with one embodiment of the smart brush described inthis disclosure, a user, using an augmented reality (AR) capable devicei.e. a smartphone with AR software and hardware capabilities, uses thefiducial marker on the smart brush, to map digital content onto thebrush. Fiducial markers are often used to aid computer vision systems todetect objects in 3D space using only cameras. It should be understoodthat the term fiducial marker should be understood to mean any 2D or 3Dshape or pattern which can be used to track an object in 3D space usinga camera, which may include graphic patterns, 3D relief patterns, lightswhich may include infrared lights, or any other distinctive style ordesign elements applied to the object which aid in tracking the objectusing cameras. A smart brush with a fiducial marker may be used tomanipulate 3D digital models or content simply by moving the brush inreal 3D space. Using an RF signal, i.e. Bluetooth, it is possible toconnect the smart brush to another digital device with AR capabilities,including head mounted displays (HMDs). Once connected, it is possibleto use the touchpad or other input buttons or motion tracking of thedigital smart brush to remotely manipulate 2D and 3D digital content,including scaling a 3D model, scrubbing a video, starting or stopping avideo, changing a 3D scene. It is also possible to use the smart brushas a remote controller for 3D input for an AR or VR device or HMD. It isalso possible to fully track the smart brush in real 3D space using anexternal motion tracking system, or internal inside out motion trackingsystem. One method for tracking the smart brush is to use an AR or VRdevice with one or more cameras which can detect the fiducial marker onthe smart brush in 3D space. In some instances input data, which mayinclude camera data, motion data, 3D depth camera data, may be inputinto a machine learning model, which can return as output the 3Dposition of the smart brush remote controller. It is also possible touse the smart brush as a 3D controller for AR or VR systems, allowing auser to do 3D AR or VR drawing, i.e. the Google owned software TiltBrush, or any other task which can commonly be done with a motioncontroller for AR or VR systems.

In one embodiment a remote user sends a 3D model 1242 over a network toa user with a smart brush comprising a fiducial marker 1240. The smartbrush may also comprise a touch pad 1245. The 3D model can be sent as amessage i.e. text message, email, instant message, or downloaded from anapp i.e. Facebook or Snapchat. Any other method of transferring the 3Dmodel data from a remote user to the user with the smart brush is alsopossible. The 3D model can be received by the smart brush user using anAR capable digital device 1241, i.e. a smartphone with a camera, smartbrush, head-mounted display or any other computing device. Once the 3Dmodel has been received on the user's AR-capable digital device, the 3Dmodel can be mapped onto the fiducial maker 1244 of the smart brush,where it can be seen as a rendered 3D model overlaid in real 3D space.The digital device receiving the 3D model uses an embedded camera todetermine the position of the fiducial marker affixed to the smartbrush.

The fiducial marker can either be affixed as a permanent marking, or itcan be displayed on a digital display within the smart brush. Once the3D model has been mapped to the fiducial marker on the smart brush usingcomputer vision software, it is possible to manipulate the rendering ofthe 3D model simply by moving the smart brush in real 3D space. If thesmart brush has a direct wireless connection to the digital device, i.e.Bluetooth, then it is also possible for the user to further manipulatethe 3D model using a touchpad on the smart brush, i.e. scaling the 3Dmodel. It is also not necessary for a smart brush when used as an AR orVR remote controller to have bristles, and can in fact be any type ofdigital device containing a fiducial marker, a RF connection, a battery,and at least one processor. It can also function in a similar way asdescribed, wherein the received 3D model can be mapped to the fiducialmarker and can be manipulated using the digital device.

In at least one embodiment, the present invention may comprise anapparatus for capturing at least one digital image using a portabledigital device with a camera and a specialized styling device, thatfurther comprises a rig which holds the portable digital device at adistance from the user, a digital device clip for holding the portabledigital device, and a remote used for allowing the user to send acommand to the portable digital device to capture at least one digitalimage. The portable digital device with a camera may be a smart phone.Also, the rig may comprise a telescoping arm. The apparatus may alsocomprise a fiducial marker. In addition, the apparatus may comprise thenecessary components in order to communicate with other digital devicesusing an RF signal.

FIG. 26 shows drawing of the present invention comprising a digitaldevice, i.e. a smart phone, being charged by a smart brush. FIG. 26 alsoshows a smart brush 701, input buttons 125, a data/power connector, i.e.USB or HDMI 142, an electric cable connector, i.e. USB 708, a digitaldevice (i.e. phone) 178, a wireless charging base station 1247. Usingthe base station, which is connected to a power source, it is possibleto charge the smart brush using wireless charging, also called wirelesspower transfer. The base station contains a power transmitter thatcomprises a transmitting coil that generates an oscillating magneticfield; the smart brush contains a power receiver holding a receivingcoil. The magnetic field induces an alternating current in the receivingcoil by Faraday's law of induction. Close spacing of the two coils, aswell as shielding on their surfaces, ensure the inductive power transferis efficient.

In this disclosure when the term bristle or bristles is used it shouldbe understood that each bristle may comprise a single bristle or a bunchor tuft of bristles. In one or more of the exemplary embodiments, asmart brush and smart accessories may be implemented by a single party,but in most cases it will be implemented by more than one in anycombination, where the smart brush and smart accessories are comprisedof many hardware and software components provided by different parties.In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may beimplemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on ortransmitted over, as one or more instructions or code on, acomputer-readable medium.

Computer-readable media include both computer storage media andcommunication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of acomputer program from one place to another. A storage media may be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example,and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM,EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used tocarry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or datastructures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connectionis properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if thesoftware is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote sourceusing a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digitalsubscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio,and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair,DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave areincluded in the definition of medium.

Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc,optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray discwhere disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproducedata optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also beincluded within the scope of computer-readable media. It should beunderstood in this disclosure that Bluetooth is the same as Bluetooth.The term memory may include volatile or non-volatile (e.g., floppydisks, hard disks, CD-ROMs, flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), andrandom access memory (RAM)).

The method comprises receiving data from a specialized styling device,over a cellular, wireless, satellite, or other network to a specialpurpose computer with a non-transitory computer readable medium. In oneor more of the embodiments, the functions described herein may beimplemented in any combination of hardware, software, firmware, etc. Thefunctions may be stored or transmitted as one or more softwareinstructions, computer-executable instructions, or processor-executableinstructions, or code on a tangible non-transitory computer readablemedium or on a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium, ifimplemented in software. The steps of an algorithm, process, or methoddisclosed herein may be embodied in a processor-executable softwaremodule that may reside on a non-transitory computer readable medium.Non-transitory computer readable medium readable media includes bothcomputer storage media and communication media including any medium thatfacilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Anon-transitory storage media may be any available media that may beaccessed by the special purpose host computer system.

Also, combinations of the above should be included within the scope ofnon-transitory computer readable medium. In addition, the operations ofan algorithm, process, or method may reside as one or any combination orcodes, set of codes, instructions, or sets of instructions on anon-transitory machine readable medium, which may be incorporated into acomputer program product.

By way of an example, and not as a limitation, a non-transitory computerreadable medium may comprise Random-Access Memory (“RAM”), Read-OnlyMemory (“ROM”), Programmable Read-Only Memory (“PROM”), ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory (“EPROM”), Electrically ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory (“EEPROM”), Compact Disc Read-Only Memory(“CD-ROM”) or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, orother optical or magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that maybe used to store program code in the form of instructions or datastructures and that may be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, asused herein, includes compact disc (“CD”), laser disc, optical disc,digital versatile disc (“DVD”), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc wheredisks usually reproduce data magnetically or optically with lasers.

Also, combinations of the above should be included within the scope ofnon-transitory computer readable medium. In addition, the operations ofan algorithm, process, or method may reside as one or any combination orcodes, set of codes, instructions, or sets of instructions on anon-transitory machine readable medium or an a non-transitory computerreadable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer programproduct. All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose ofdescribing selected versions of the present invention and are notintended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The previous description of the disclosed exemplary embodiments isprovided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use thepresent invention. Various modifications to these exemplary embodimentswill be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the genericprinciples defined herein may be applied to other embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the presentinvention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown hereinbut is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principlesand novel features disclosed herein. These and other systems, methods,objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will beapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription of the embodiments and drawings.

All documents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated in their entiretyby reference. References to items in the singular should be understoodto include items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly statedotherwise or clear from the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intendedto express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations ofconjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwisestated or clear from the context.

With respect to the above, it is to be understood that the invention isnot limited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangement of the components listed or the steps set forth in thedescription or illustrated in the drawings. The various apparatus andmethods of the disclosed invention are capable of other embodiments, andof being practiced and carried out in various ways that would be readilyknown to those skilled in the art, given the present disclosure.Further, the terms and phrases used herein are for descriptive purposesand should not be construed as in any way limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based be utilized as a basis for designingother inventions with similar properties. It is important therefore thatthe embodiments, objects, and claims herein, be regarded as includingsuch equivalent construction and methodology insofar as they do notdepart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It should be noted that the components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views. However, like parts do not always have like referencenumerals. Moreover, all illustrations are intended to convey concepts,where relative sizes, shapes, and other detailed attributes may beillustrated schematically rather than literally or precisely.

What is claimed is:
 1. A specialized brushing device capable of trackinga user's routine living activities, comprising: an enclosure bodycomprising: a handle with an on/off button; at least one speaker; abrush head with a plurality of bristles; at least one printed circuitboard comprising at least one processor; at least one wireless module;at least one memory; at least one of audio and video modules; at leastone haptic vibration module; at least one motion module comprising atleast one motion sensors including accelerometer; at least one antenna;at least one power module; at least one notification indicator; and atleast one battery used for storing an electrical charge; wherein thenotification indicator is an indicator light, digital display, aspeaker, or a haptic vibration module; wherein the at least one memoryis in electronic communication with the at least one processor, andinstructions are stored in the at least one memory, the storedinstructions comprising instructions executable by the at least oneprocessor for: receiving a detection by the motion sensor of the motionmodule; storing the motion sensor data in a first memory location;analyzing the motion sensor data to record metadata which includes timeof use, duration of use, and directional information; generating areport, based on the metadata and a data model created usingrecommendations for a user type, the report including an indication ofwhether the brush is being used less frequently than the data model'sfrequency, wherein usage is determined using the metadata; generating analert signal, based on the report, sent to the at least one notificationindicator; causing an activation in the at least one notificationindicator, comprising at least one of a sound to play on the speaker, alight to be illuminated, or a vibration, wherein the alert signalcontains information from the report.
 2. The specialized brushing deviceof claim 1, is either an hairbrush or a toothbrush wherein the handle isa detachable handle.
 3. The specialized brushing device of claim 2,further comprising fiducial marker used for tracking the specializedbrushing device in real 3D space using an AR capable device.
 4. Thespecialized brushing device of claim 2, further comprising at least onedata/power connector used for charging either a digital device oranother device using the battery, and transmitting data.
 5. Thespecialized brushing device of claim 2, wherein the power modulecomprises a coil in which a magnetic field inducts a current forwireless charging of the at least one battery.
 6. The specializedbrushing device of claim 2, further comprising necessary components inorder to play music.
 7. The specialized brushing device of claim 2,further comprising a data/power connector for receiving power from adata/power cable to charge the battery.
 8. The specialized brushingdevice of claim 2, further comprising at least one wireless module usedfor connecting to a RF network, wherein the wireless module isconfigured to receive a wireless data signal to connect the specializedbrushing device to a wireless data network wherein the specializedbrushing device is configured to connect to at least one wirelessdevice, and to send, using the wireless module, a set of datatransmitted from the specialized brushing device through at least onewireless data network link associated with the wireless device.
 9. Thespecialized brushing device of claim 2, further comprising at least onedata or power connector used for charging either a digital device oranother device using the battery, and transmitting data.
 10. Thespecialized brushing device of claim 2, wherein the wireless module isconfigured to receive a wireless data signal to connect the specializedbrushing device to a wireless data network wherein the specializedbrushing device is configured to connect to at least one wirelessdevice; and send, using the wireless module, a set of data transmittedfrom the specialized brushing device through at least one wireless datanetwork link associated with the wireless device; and determine a set ofdata of daily routine based on the metadata, and automatically transmitto a wireless device the set of data of daily routine.
 11. Thespecialized brushing device of claim 2, further comprising a digitalcamera.
 12. A augmented reality toothbrush device, comprising: adetachable handle, a brush head with a plurality of bristles; and afiducial marker comprising a graphic pattern as well as a 3D reliefpattern; wherein the augmented reality toothbrush device is used as aninput device for an augmented reality device with a camera, which may bea smartphone, comprising multiple user interfaces and a computer visionsystem, running on the augmented reality device which allows for theaugmented reality device to display a moving image of the user withoverlaid 3D digital models or graphic content on the screen of theaugmented reality device, wherein the 3D digital models or graphiccontent is mapped onto the fiducial maker of the toothbrush, where itcan be seen as rendered 3D digital models or graphic content on thescreen of the augmented reality device, wherein the toothbrush is usedto manipulate the 3D digital models or graphic content displayed on thescreen of the augmented reality device by moving the toothbrush in real3D space; wherein the motion of the augmented reality toothbrush deviceis detected by the augmented reality device, in order to determine adaily routine.
 13. A specialized toothbrush device, comprising: anenclosure body, comprising a handle with an on/off button, a chargingindicator light indicating if the device is charging, and a wirelessconnection indicator light; a plurality of bristles; at least oneprinted circuit board comprising: at least one processor; a AC to DCconverter; at least one memory; at least one of audio and video modules;at least one digital camera; at least one antenna; at least one powermodule for wireless charging; at least one battery used for storing anelectrical charge, wherein the battery is recharged using power from thepower module for wireless charging and dc to dc converter; at least onewireless module used for connecting to a RF network; wherein thewireless module is configured to receive a wireless data signal toconnect the toothbrush to a wireless data network wherein the toothbrushhas been configured to connect to at least one wireless device; andcause the illumination of the wireless connection indicator light, usingthe wireless module, showing the wireless module is connect to awireless device; send, using the wireless module, a set of datatransmitted from the specialized toothbrush device through at least onewireless data network link associated with the wireless device; anddetermine a set of data of daily routine, and automatically transmit toa wireless device the set of data of daily routine, wherein the data ofdaily routine includes duration of use and times of use.